African Peanut Stew
African Peanut Stew-Creamy ,Quick and easy groundnut Stew.
In the West, Groundnuts are almost invariably eaten as snack, mixed into salads, or transformed into peanut butter paste. However, in Africa, this nut has been an important source of food for centuries –and it is used in a number of different ways-throughout the continent depending on the region-a little goes a long way. The most common use is to flavor sauces, soups or add thickness any meal.
In West Africa, It is used to make this hearty stew – a rich stew with a tempting combination of flavors – garlic, ginger, herbs and of course a little bit of spice. The good thing about this recipe is that it is open to so many variations based on your preferences, availability of ingredients and time. You can never go wrong with this soup.
Here, I used Peanut butter paste. You can use any variety depending on what you have on hand- go for 100% Peanut butter for an intensified peanut flavor without the added sugar. It does make a difference.
Don’t sweat it though, I must admit that I sometimes use whatever brand I have on hand.
If you have time just make your own peanut butter by grinding roasted peanuts in a food processor or coffee grinder. That’s how this stew is made in Africa
Traditionally ground soup or stew is made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions with or without protein depending ones preference. You may use less oil or omit completely for a healthier stew – just omit the tomato sauce.
Serve with any starchy side rice, plantains, potatoes and or vegetables
Enjoy it!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup oil
- 2- 3 pounds chicken legs or thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon ginger chopped
- 3 tablespoons parsley
- ½ cup Peanut butter or peanut paste
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with your favorite seasoning – I used creole or just use, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Blend tomatoes, ½ of the onions, garlic, parsley, and ginger. Set aside
- In a large pot or saucepan heat oil over medium heat, then add the chicken and brown on both sides about 5-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. You may skip this step and proceed with the next.
- Add remaining onions, if desired , to the saucepan, stir for about 2 minutes then add tomato sauce(mixture of blend tomatoes and spices) and paprika
- Pour the tomato mixture into the saucepan -bring to a boil and let it simmer stirring frequently to prevent any burns- about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the peanut butter, chicken and 2 cups of water or chicken stock, season with, chicken bouillon, salt and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or more
- Adjust the soup thickness with water/chicken stock if necessary and let simmer to desired thickness
- Drip a little soup from your stirring spoon. If you are satisfied with the thickness of your soup, serve it with rice.
Nutrition Information:
This was great, thank you!
Yay! Glad to hear it worked out well for you.
This was delicious! My tomatoes were a bit weak in flavor so I added 1 tbsp of tomato paste. Didn’t use any meat, and didn’t miss it at all. Great recipe. Will definitely be adding this to my rotation.
Wondering if anyone has tried freezing this? I’m making some postpartum meals and am thinking of giving this a shot. I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried it.
Hi, congratulations on your growing family. :heart_eyes: This recipe freezes well, so make it ahead with confidence.
What a great find! It’s delicious and going to be added to my recipe book
Hurry! Thank you for your love and support:)
This has always been my favorite when I go to a African restaurant. But I just made it following your recipe and I must say I appreciate you so much! It was so simple and delicious! I can’t wait to try it with fish and goat!!!
Yayy! that’s the point of do all this effort so we can enjoy our favorite food at home with the best taste. Thank you for your amazing feedback:)
So, I am an American woman with an African husband. This is the second recipe I’ve used from your website and he was very happy both times! Thank you for sharing it was delish
Super delicious! Felt it was great with an extra cup of chicken stock in place of water, chicken bouillon is a MUST for extra savoriness, and a few more tomatoes did the trick.